The 'Project Use It Up' Face

Working on using up my older beauty products is an enjoyable process for me – it’s reminded me of how lovely some of the products are, but has also forced me to appreciate just how great some of the newer products in my stash are. It’s made me rethink that moment in the store when I used to buy ‘new’ but mediocre formulas and shades, and made it clear that that was not only a waste of money but distracted me from the quality within my drawers. Having a makeup stash full of wonderful, exciting and stellar products is my end goal I suppose, and I’m happily plodding my way through some of the beauty targets set out in my Project Use It Up in this makeup look.

A trick that I’ve found to work when I’m consciously using up something is to add a new or exciting product into the mix with it, to spice things up and keep yourself from going completely mad (if you’re like me and love to switch products all the time!) This time around I pulled out my Chanel Poesie eyeshadow palette; it’s one of the newest additions to my makeup drawers and creates such an effortless eye look. I then added in some of the ‘Project Use It Up’ contestants, the pan-tastic NYX ‘Peach’ Blush and my Clinique Chubby Stick ‘Whole Lotta Honey.’ Not yet in my project purely because I forgot to include it is my mini pan of Nars ‘Laguna’ Bronzer – let’s consider this mention his official induction into the challenge, shall we?



There has been a big change for me in the hair department – I felt like a new woman when I walked out of the hairdressers with a fringe (or bangs, as my American friends call it!) I have a post forthcoming on the hair products I’ve switched over to, but for now I’d love to hear your tips on using up products and what you think of this simple, everyday makeup look!

-Emma

Project Use It Up #1

There is nothing more inspiring for a beauty blogger than a great beauty 'project' (except maybe a great makeup collection video, amiright?) They often spur me on to use up products, but as I lamented in my recent empties post the amount of actual makeup that left my stash wasn't very impressive in 2014 so I aim to rectify that this year. Using the wonderful Monika from Rocaille Writes as a direct inspiration (particularly these 'make a dent' posts) I've taken it upon myself  to set up a simple challenge...

I will use up these products in 2015 (preferably in the first half of the year!)

Project Use It Up Products as of January 2015

As you can see I'm not silly - I've chosen the products that need to leave my stash, the previous pan hits and the lip products that I really like and can wear often enough to make this challenge a success. Easy to wear lip colours in a mixture of formulas, a great foundation that I know I'll end up repurchasing and powders that aren't as impressive now that I have the likes of Chanel and Hourglass in my life.

The Products:
-Sportsgirl Get Cheeky Shimmer Powder
-Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation
-Smashbox Sheer Gloss in Overexposed*
-Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Sweetheart
-NYX Powder Blush in Peach
-Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy
-Clinique Chubby Stick in Whole Lotta Honey*

NYX Powder Blush in Peach

Clinique Whole Lotta Honey & Chanel Boy wound all the way up

Sportsgirl Get Cheeky

I know in theory I could easily toss these products, but the temptation of the thrill I'd get once they are completely used up is far too strong for me to do that. I actually really enjoy using all of these products and would probably repurchase some of them down the line (hence why they have been used so frequently already, I suppose) 

I actually forgot to include my mini Nars Laguna and some pans from my Urban Decay Naked palette so I'll have to exclude them from the challenge despite their pans showing. I will be checking in with you as I burn through these to let you know how I go, though I'm not placing stringent rules on myself in regards to not purchasing any other makeup etc. My general plan is to stop buying so many drugstore products that just go to waste and make deliberate and considered choices when it comes to new products entering my collection. A seemingly simple task that I often fail at (though I'm doing well for 2015 thus far!)

My 'Project Use It Up' products on the beautiful tray I received for my birthday

Do you have any tips for my first project?
Wish me luck!
Emma x

*The Smashbox gloss was a PR sample and I won the Clinique Chubby Stick in a Facebook competition on my personal page. Honesty, always.

Recreating Myself // My Wildcard Entry for #BBU12

In terms of makeup, I switch up my look all the time. Some days are bright pink lips, other days it is bright green eyeshadow, but the one look I am afraid of, I decided to tackle for Sara-May's Makeup Utopia Wildcard. For those of you who are unaware, Makeup Utopia are hosting a Beauty Bloggers Conference in September and have 2 wildcard spots available... and I want one!

I present to you, my take on a 'dark and vampy' FOTD!

I used matte shades for the eyes as it is something I don't do often, and it forced me to work at blending a lot more than I normally would as well.

I used theBalm's Meet Matt(e) palette for my eyes, with Matt McDonald being the star player! I blended the edges out with Matt Gallagher and used Matt Chung as the hightlight. The lips were courtesy of MAC Plumful, until I thought of something vampier in my collection...

The new Nars Pure Matte lipstick in Amsterdam fit the vampy bill perfectly!

Whilst most of the other Wildcard entries are full on looks, I thought of this challenge as a way to recreate my way of thinking, and stop fearing certain looks! Makeup is all about having fun (after all, it washes off!) and so I'm grateful for this challenge, which has taught me to try all the looks in my head, and not fear new things!

What new things will you try this week?
What look are you most afraid of?


What do you think of my Wildcard attempt?!

The Inglot Inventory: a bronzed navy FOTD

I am a massive lover of navy eyeshadow, and instead of using the black I fear I always turn to its blue buddy. Here is a look I wore to university the other day.

I wanted to use colours from my Inglot palettes, and when Mum gifted me this jumper it inspired me to utilise the gorgeous deep brown and dark navy of its threads in an eye look.

Apart from the fact that I look super-dopey above, check out the sweater! Same colours,  no?

Face: 

Bourjois Healthymix Foundation in 51

Face of Australia Loose Powder in Outback Translucent*

NYX powder blush in Peach

Eyes:

MAC Painterly paint pot

Inglot  D.S 483 (navy shade)

Inglot Bronze shadow (unknown number!)

Urban Decay Virgin (highlight)

Mirenesse Tightliner in Black

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara

Lips:

Can't remember what I had on here, but I know I used my Estee Lauder gloss in Blush for the rest of the day.

How do you wear navy on your eyes?

Do you wear looks like this during the day?

How often do you match your eye shadow to your clothing?

The Inglot Inventory: Peachy Keen

Forgive the cheeky university bathroom shots, it was the only opportunity I had to take pictures of this look after I forgot during the car ride in. I wear this dress quite often (see post here) and love drawing out the rich orange tones to use in my makeup.

 The BareMinerals concealer was used today, and you will notice on one of the blemishes on my forehead my skin looks darker, and frankly horrible. It's quite obviously not the concealer for me, but this is all a learning process :)

Face:

BareMinerals Foundation in Fairly Light*

BareMinerals Warmth (as bronzer)*

BareMinerals Concealer*

BareMinerals Mineral Veil*

NYX Peach blush

Face of Australia Powder in Outback Translucent*

Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

Inglot Bright orange (from this palette)

Inglot AMC Shine 08 (champagne from this palette)

Mirenesse Tightliner in Black*

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes

BYS Brow Pencil in Brown*

Lips:

Revlon Super Lustrous Gloss in Coral Reef

I snapped these so quickly as people were coming in and out, and I didn't think about reapplying my Revlon Coral Reef so you might notice that it has rubbed off quite a bit in these pictures. It's much more vibrant before you stuff your face with a toasted cheese sandwich and flat white from your favourite cafe!

What is your favourite orange cosmetic products?

Have you tried Coral Reef? It is a stunner!

Products marked * were provided for consideration but this does not affect my thoughts of them nor my choice to use them in my looks.

The Inglot Inventory: a champagne and purple FOTD

Earlier in the week I posted here about my efforts to utilise a set group of products from my collection in order to use some up or just get creative with them. Part of that bunch were my beloved Inglot palettes, which I crack out often but not often enough. Here is one of the looks I came up with using them! I will call this series The Inglot Inventory, I do hope you enjoy them!

Face:

-BareMinerals Mineral foundation in Fairly Light*

-BareMinerals Warmth powder (bronzer substitute)*

-BareMinerals Mineral Veil (light reflecting powder)*

-Face of Australia loose powder in Outback Translucent*

-NYX Peach blush

Eyes:

MAC Painterly paint pot

Inglot AMC Shine 08 (post here)

Inglot purple shade, unknown number (post here)

Mirenesse Tightliner in Black*

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes

Urban Decay Virgin

BYS Brow Pencil in Brown*

Ardell Clear Brow Gel

Lips:

Sportsgirl Liquid Lip Colour in Wow!

The look was quite subtle with only a few pops of purple, but I was really happy with the look as I thought the champagne and purple shade went really well together.

A blurry one taken in the car but I think it shows the purple off well.

Purple shadow was from this palette...

And this is AMC Shine 08, oh how I wish Inglot would name their shadows properly!

What sorts of looks have you been wearing lately?

What shadows from Inglot do you think I should buy next?

*Products marked were provided for consideration.

a basket full o' makeup

This post here had me thinking about my beauty using habits. I tend to wake up in the morning bleary eyed and reach for whatever pretty my heart desires at that very moment. I decided to switch it up, and at the start of the week (which is a Wednesday for me!) fill up my tub on the counter with products I want to make a dent in. Here is what made it in this past week!

I threw in a few half-used items to see if I could finish some off, and some new items I'm reviewing to make sure I give them time to impress me.

base; Bourjois Healthymix, L'Oreal Base Magique sample
blush; NYX Peach (review here)

bronzer; Nars Laguna

Undereye; Smashbox Undereye Brightener*

Mascara; Lancome Doll Eyes (review here) & Clinique High Impact
Eyes; Sportsgirl Prom Night (pan hit, woohoo!), MAC Painterly Paint Pot, Ardell Clear Brow Gel, Mirenesse Tightliner*, BYS Brow pencil* & Rimmel pencil liner
Lips; Estee Lauder High Gloss in #11 Blush

I have almost used up both mascara samples and want to make good use of them before they have to be tossed, and the Smashbox concealer is just there to be used up as I'm not fond of it. NYX Peach and Laguna have been kicking around in my collection for quite a while and I'm looking to hit pan on them, if it's the last thing I do.

I don't even need to explain the Ardell brow gel, it's pretty ratty looking. I know that it is fine and that it is just my brow powder mixed into it, but it still grosses me out. The BYS pencil is something I'm trialling for review at the moment, and the Sportsgirl shadow is much loved but needs to be in cosmetic heaven now. Painterly is something I use every single day so it has a permanent position in the basket full of awesomeness.

My Bourjois Healthy Mix has been so good to me, and has lasted so long only because I had two on the go at once. I had one in my bag most of the time for weekends away or for when I was at Chris' place, but this one is finally about to bite the dust!

Laguna and Peach, respectively.

The L'Oreal Base Magique was a sample Chris got me, haven't used it enough to know whether or not I like it. The gloss was nabbed from Chris' Mum when she split up her travel set. Estee Lauder glosses are the bomb, and this one is my favourite shade. Boring in the tube, stunning on the lips!

My neutral Inglot palette...(review here)

...and my brights palette (review here)
I chose these two palettes because I adore them, and also because I don't reach for them as much as I should. I wear brights quite a bit, but thought that throwing them in would push me to create some nice combinations that I haven't tried out before. I was right! I have a stack of FOTD's to share with you in upcoming posts, all using these palettes with other shadows thrown in.

I think this is the sort of task I am able to stick to, I don't have enough patience to complete a set pan project. I think the fact that I have enough wiggle room to use other items from my collection makes this an enjoyable effort, and still gets my mind working in order to use these items creatively. I'm not trying to use all of them up (palettes,for example) but wanting to remember the things I love about my makeup collection.

Have you ever tried a project pan? How many makeup items have you hit pan on?

Would love to hear some motivation and your pan efforts!

Items marked with * have been provided for review or were in goody bags.

Blush Love: NYX Peach

The first twelve months of this here blog saw me hesitate from reviewing my most loved products, for fear I would not do them justice. Over the new year, I realised that I am not perfect, nor do you expect me to be (I hope!) So expect to see some kick ass products rocking this page, starting now, with my most adored blush.

 NYX PEACH

This was definitely one of my top products for 2011, as I used it at least 5 days out of each week. Considering how affordable this blush is, I am amazed at how long it has lasted. Surely I am about to hit pan on this?! The suspense is killing me!

This is quite a heavy swatch, which seems appropriate as I often wore this blush heavily. It's very buildable, so is excellent if you like a sheer look or heavy cheeks like moi, and it lasts all day long on my cheeks. I've seen others talk of broken packaging as it is made of plastic, but so far I've been lucky despite this going everywhere with me. It's a matte peachy pink shade that would suit a wide range of skin tones, in my opinion. I've seen it look quite peachy on others, but it's pretty darn pink on me.

I adore this blush and will be repurchasing, but before I do I'm going to use up some of my other blushes. When Peach is around, they get no love :'(

What is your one true blush love?

Have you tried NYX Peach?

Details!

I purchased this from a store in Spencer St DFO (Melbourne) but it is also available at:

*Crush Cosmetics here for $11.15 AUD

*Cherry Culture here for $6 AUD (but is on sale right now for $4.50!)

*Groove stores, or eBay

This product was purchased by me and is not sponsored by NYX, all opinions are honest, this blush really does rock. x

 

Have you entered my Botani birthday giveaway? Leave a comment on this post then scoot over and enter!

Pretty In...

PINK!

A kaleidoscope of pink amazingness, and a Girls Night In look! I decided to compile all of my favourite pink goodies and show you the pink look I rocked in October, which as you will know is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! I'm also going to show you the look I created for the Girls Night In even we held for breast cancer awareness.

Some of my favourite pink goodies are for the lips as you can see! My very favourite is the Stay With Me gloss from Essence in me&my icecream which is a sweet pale pink that is really comfy on the lips (review here) Here is what I think about the rest of them.

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*Soap and Glory Hand Food hand cream is a sweet smelling hand cream that reminds me of Miss Cherie Dior perfume (which I am wearing right now!) I wish I had a travel size of this for my bag but it is only available in this size in Australia (available from kit cosmetics)

*MAC Dazzleglass in Internationalist is a glitter bomb of a gloss, a berry pink filled with blue and purple toned glitter. The dazzleglass formula is really sticky but I love them regardless.

*OPI nail polish in Pink-ing of You is a sweet baby pink that I've hardly worn, but I do think it's a lovely shade.

*NYX Peach blush is one I'm sure you've seen me rave about, even though I've never done a formal review. My favourite blush ever, and a very wearable pink shade that I think would suit a range of skintones.

*Sportsgirl Pucker Up lip pencil is one I've been using a lot more lately, I love crayon or chubby pencil type lip products as I find they last a lot longer on me, and I can layer them with a cute gloss.

*My Australis Show Stopper Gloss Stick is hiding behind another gloss, I have it in the shade Fairy Floss :) Adore it, will be reviewing soon and I highly recommend it.

*Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Pop is a super high quality product. I love the formulation of these glosses, they are in my top favourites because they are so pigmented and opaque but not sticky at all.

*The Essence multi-coloured powder is from the new Blossoms etc range, which I am posting about very soon. Cannot get over how amazing Essence is and how very cheap they are. This powder shade is Flower Power, which is very fitting.

*Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Frenzy is one I picked up at IMATS, along with another shade. Have not had a very good play with it yet, but like every other Illamasqua product I'm sure it's top knotch.

*Essence Flowerkissed gloss from the Blossoms etc collectino, such pretty packaging and smells a little like lollies.

*

My sister recently held a Girls Night In which is a night to raise awareness about breast cancer as well as raise money for research into the disease. The idea is to donate the amount you would spend on a night out to breast cancer, hence the 'night in' name. She chose a Friday night so that all the ladies could have a drink, and organised a stack of games for us to play, and lots of nice little prizes, too. We ended up raising about $300 which was a pretty good effort as it was only a small group involved. Chris' Mum came as did my best friend Candice, who was nice enough to take photos of the look I created for the night. I finished work only an hour before the event began, so had to rush like mad! I came home to find my youngest niece in the bathroom covering her face in hot pink eyeshadow. Nice!

This is the look I whipped up, sans shadow on the nose and forehead.

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Can't remember exactly what  I used, except that I used a pink eyeshadow from Ulta3 in Blushing all over the lid, intensified it with a random pink from a Napoleon palette, then smoked a hot pink into the crease. The hot pink was the star of the show in my opinion, it was from a BYS palette I have that I'm showing you guys soon. Love that I've found a pink that I feel comfortable wearing! And the liner is Revlon and grr it's not a favourite. But there you have it, my pink look for breast cancer awareness, and yes I am in a candy floss pink wig! Here's another shot of it, I'm with my neice Lara here

Everyone said I suit that sort of hair length, not so sure about the colour for everyday though. I chose this one because it's the only wig I could find that was a 'Nicki Minaj' sort of pink rather than a hot pink one. I love it, was so comfy on!

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Have you posted on Breast Cancer Awareness month? I'd love to see!